The Alexandra Dock and Victoria Mills area is one of the focuses of the massive new plan will build on the £20 million Riverhead Square cinema and restaurant development

He said: “There is a big opportunity for Grimsby, Cleethorpes and the surrounding area to participate in the revival that this Industrial Strategy offers.

“The board, which involves the private sector and people with a big commitment to Grimsby and the area, is featured for the particular reason that its leadership is already achieving results, and we are very keen to push that forward.”

He was responding to a question from Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers, who together with his Grimsby counterpart Melanie Onn, former chancellor Norman Lamont, highly respected civil servant Lord Kerslake and representatives from the likes of ABP, Ørsted and Engie – as well as North East Lincolnshire Council – make up the board, led by David Ross.

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Mr Vickers said: “I particularly welcome the commitment in the document to local industrial strategies, especially the reference to the Greater Grimsby project board, of which I am a member. It is a private sector-led board.

“Does my right hon. Friend agree that that is the best way forward for developing strategy, and will he commit to meeting the board in the not-too-distant future?”

With the ear of Government, Mr Vickers has worked with Ms Onn in a bid to push open doors for the proposal, uniting civic leaders in the town with key officials.

Speaker John Bercow MP also interjected, stating he was not aware of Mr Vickers’ “membership of that important board,” undoubtedly aware of the profile of some on it.

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Mr Clark was though, underlining the work in Westminster to further the efforts of those in Grimsby’s Municipal Offices.

The Business Secretary didn’t confirm a visit, but he is no stranger to the town, having played a key role in establishing Humber Local Enterprise Partnership, and been hosted by Mr Vickers during the 2015 General Election campaign.

As reported this summer, the proposition is for an initial five-year investment plan securing up to £36.9 million of Westminster funding, to bring forward delivery of the key projects, with longer term aims of a potential further 5,400 jobs and 7,700 new homes. It would be the springboard for a £216 million leap in economic output, “a step change to the economic contribution to UK Plc,” according to the submission.

Further details of how it will be administered, and exactly what the pilot includes, are anticipated in the coming months.